The USA Today reports that the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial is now a full unit of the National Park System, following approval by Congress. This means federal dollars, rangers and a visitors center, as well as preservation of the historical site and ruins at Concord, Calif.
Before you go!
Access to the new national park is restricted because of its location on the grounds of the base, which was turned over to the Army in 2008 and is now known as Military Ocean Terminal Concord. Visitors to the memorial must file applications two weeks in advance and undergo security clearance, says Tom Leatherman, deputy superintendent of the National Park Service in the East Bay area.
The Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial Enhancement Act of 2009, introduced by Rep George Miller in February, was signed by the President today as part of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act. I know we all feel safer now.
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We have to be realistic on the limitations to access to an active ammunition export port.
I went to the July 17th memorial and wished that they had allowed the statements by the survivors and the family members which is always the most touching and interesting part of the ceremony for me.
It is the living history part that we will be shortly losing that brings home the sacrifice, pain, an horror of the incident and its aftermath.
I look forward to the creation of a Visitors Center with the oral records presented of the survivors and the trail from the trail that led to desegregation of the armed forces, so taken for granted these last 3 generations.
I think that changes should made so that the same access be made as for any other National Parks. This area has been crying for recognition since 1944!